The High Court's ruled the Crown breached its promise to ensure self-employed midwives are paid fairly and reasonably. 

After 18 months of waiting, the decision's been published.

Justice Cheryl Gwyn also says the Crown unlawfully discriminated against the midwives on the basis of sex - and breached their human rights.

NZ College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy says workers weren't being paid based on reasonable comparators.

"And the fact that they're self-employed and had to carry the costs of that and providing a 24/7 service, 365 days a year."

The Government says it will appeal the decision.

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